160th birthday surprise: the Crystal Palace Subway will open its doors to the public on September 21
One of the highlights of this month’s Open House London weekend looks certain to be the opportunity for the public to get a first sight of the impact of the £3.5million restoration project to the historic Grade II*-listed Crystal Palace Subway, just ahead of its 160th anniversary in 2025.
A new roof over the east courtyard and extensive repairs to the walls, floor, steps and entrances have “breathed new life into the Victorian subway”, according to the Crystal Palace Park Trust.
The structure dates from 1865, shortly after the vast Crystal Palace was moved, pane-by-pane, from Hyde Park to Sydenham, and it is now the most substantial surviving part of the huge complex which was destroyed in fire in 1936. The subway originally served as the access point for first-class rail passengers to the Crystal Palace.
The restoration is the result of a 14-year, community-led campaign, spearheaded by the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway, with the capital works led by Bromley Council and made possible thanks to generous funding from Historic England and the City of London Strategic Investment Pot.
Can’t wait: Victoria Pinnington, CEO of the Crystal Palace Park Trust
“The project represents the first major stage in transforming the Subway into a unique new venue, with the Trust and Bromley Council seeking further grant funding and investment in the coming years to realise these plans,” the Trust says.
Victoria Pinnington, the recently appointed chief executive of Crystal Palace Park Trust said: “We would like to extend our gratitude to the passion, dedication and hard work of those in our local community who campaigned tirelessly, under the leadership of the Friends of Crystal Palace Subway, for this restoration to happen. It simply wouldn’t have happened without you.
“We can’t wait to open the doors and welcome people from our surrounding five boroughs, as well as those from further afield, to visit this beautiful space.”
That door-opening will be on Saturday, Septembr 21, from 10am to 2pm, as part of Open House Festival. Entry is free for self-led visits and there is no need to book, you can just turn up on the day. However, please be aware we anticipate significant queues on the day.
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This looks glorious! Congrats to all involved. The Victorians knew something about proud public architecture. And public service – an alien concept to todays civic apparatchiks.